The logistics sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is changing with new cold storage facilities and logistics hubs being developed in Cato Ridge, near Durban. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has noted several projects in the area that are expected to improve citrus exports and support South Africa's broader export logistics.
A recent sod-turning ceremony marked the start of construction on the FTP Group's Insimbi Ridge cargo facility, a 33,000 m² inland cold and general storage site. The facility aims to increase cold storage capacity in the Durban region and could offer rail access to the port, reducing road freight dependency.
© CGA
According to Mitchell Brooke, Logistics Development Manager at the CGA, "Not only will additional cold storage capacity be generated for the Durban region, but the possibility of accessing the port by rail will be a transformative approach to the citrus supply chain."
Other recent investments in Cato Ridge include the Maersk Cato Ridge Cold Store, which opened in June and has capacity for 10,000 pallets. The facility, located opposite a container depot, handled its first citrus season this year.
Cato Ridge's position along the N3 highway provides direct road access to Durban Port, but the region's long-term potential lies in rail connectivity. Around 90 per cent of exported citrus currently travels to port by truck. However, with new private-sector rail operators granted access to 41 routes across six corridors, opportunities for greater rail-based shipping are emerging.
About 40 per cent of South Africa's citrus originates in Limpopo, travelling nearly 850 kilometres to Durban. Improved rail access is seen as key to cost and efficiency gains.
Durban remains the country's main citrus export port, handling nearly half of total citrus shipments. With production volumes projected to increase, the development of supporting cold storage and transport infrastructure is becoming more important.
Legal clarity on the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) concession for Pier 2 at Durban Port has also opened the door for more private-sector participation in logistics operations. The CGA expects this partnership between ICTSI and Transnet to help improve efficiency once implemented.
Brooke added that continued investment in cold storage, logistics coordination, and reliable road and rail links is vital to maintaining fruit quality during export and ensuring South Africa's competitiveness in international citrus markets.
For more information:
Loftus Marais
Citrus Growers' Association
Tel: +27 (0) 72 833 0717
Email: [email protected]
www.cga.co.za
